Operational Field Research Support (Sleep and Chronobiology)

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is a premier research institution dedicated to soldier and world health. WRAIR aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to the Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products, including knowledge, technology, and medical material that sustain the warfighter's combat effectiveness. WRAIR also conducts military psychiatry and neuroscience research, from basic studies to advanced development. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. 

The Operational Research Team (ORT) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is the premier sleep, circadian, and performance field research team of the Department of Defense. The ORT’s primary objective is to develop, test, and validate field-capable assessments and interventions to both determine the influence of sleep loss and circadian misalignment on Soldier readiness and resilience in the operational environment (e.g., during training missions and deployment) and select optimal strategies (e.g., caffeine, blue light, sleep hygiene, sleep banking and recovery) for enhancing Warfighter readiness.

As an ORISE participant at WRAIR, you will take part in various research functions in support of behavioral/psychology/ psychiatric research efforts, including survey and intervention research. Under the guidance of a mentor, additional functions will include conducting literature reviews and providing written summaries based on the literature, constructing and managing databases, conducting surveys/interviews of research subjects, establishing collaborations with other investigators, setting up and executing data collections in the field environments, and providing technical assistance in database management and statistical analyses. During your appointment, you will learn a thorough knowledge of actigraph technology and electronic survey platforms for data collection and interpretation. You will strengthen your work development skills in learning how to prepare reports and briefs of findings for national/ international meetings and senior military leaders; assist in manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals; assist in developing and maintaining research protocol files throughout the life of protocol and; coordination all aspects of field study logistics and on the ground activities at the data collection site.

Please note: Participants must be able to travel periodically to conduct field data collections or attend scientific meetings.

For more information on WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.army.mil.

This appointment is a 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Must have a Bachelor's degree in psychology, public health or a related field.

At least one-year full time work experience in behavioral or psychology research is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Physical Capabilities: may involve long periods of standing, interacting with research volunteers, and handling of chemicals and/or hazardous biological material.